Which of the following describes a characteristic of a struggling reader?

A struggling reader typically exhibits characteristics that indicate challenges in fundamental reading skills. One major aspect is difficulty with decoding, which is the ability to translate written words into their spoken equivalents. This decoding difficulty often leads to a lack of fluency, meaning the reader may read slowly and with many mistakes. Consequently, these challenges also extend to comprehension, as struggling readers frequently find it difficult to understand or retain information from the texts they encounter.

The characteristics mentioned in the correct choice highlight the interconnected nature of reading skills; if a reader struggles with decoding, their overall fluency suffers, subsequently hindering their comprehension of the material. This understanding is crucial for educators when designing interventions and support strategies for students who are not progressing in their reading development.